Display case and assembly thereof

ABSTRACT

Display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel generally planar first and second major surfaces having a member which is provided with an opening therein which is sized to receive the object to be displayed with the member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object placed within the opening and having an enclosure mounted on the member and generally enclosing the member with the enclosure having a side wall with an opening therein to permit the member to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure.

United States atet Skinner et a1.

[ 51 Aug.7,1973

Primary Examiner-1ames C. Mitchell Attorney-Paul D Flehr, Harold C. l-lohbach, Aldo l-Istet alv r n 57 ABSTRACT Display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel generally planar first and second major surfaces having a member which is provided with an opening therein which is sized to receive the object to be displayed with the member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object placed within the opening and having an enclosure mounted on the member and generally enclosing the member with the enclosure having a side wall with an opening therein to permit the member to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure.

25 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures I 1 DISPLAY CASE AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF [75] Inventors: James R. Skinner, Cupertino; Mark O. Uitz, Mountain View, both of Calif.

[73] Assignce: M. U. Engineering & Mfg, lnc.,

Mountain View, Calif,

[22] Filed: Jan. 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 219,235

. Related [1.8. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 148,497, June 1,

1971, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 312/114, 206/.8, 40/1521, 248/450 {51] Int. Cl. A47f 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..206/.8.84; 248/450; 40/1521, 159; 312/114 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 3,155,236 11/1964 Rend 206/.82

" sI P PATENIED SIEEIBDFEI 1 DISPLAY CASE AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuatin-in-part of application Ser. No. 148,497, filed June 1, 1971; now aban doned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to display cases and particularly to display cases which can be utilized for displaying metals, coins and the like.

Display cases have heretofore been provided for coins, metals and the like. However, such display cases have lacked utility in certain respects. For example, they have not been useful for providing a free-standing display. In addition, they have not been particularly attractive. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved display case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The display case for an object of the type which has spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces consists of a member having an opening therein which is sized to receive the object to be displayed. The member has first and second major spaced apart, parallel planar surfaces surrounding the opening which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object to be placed within the opening. An enclosure is mounted on the member and generally encloses said member with the object therein. The enclosure has a side wall with an opening therein to permit the member to be slidably inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The enclosure has front and rear walls overlying the opening in said member. The front and rear walls are transparent to permit viewing of the object in the opening. Cooperative means carried by the member and the enclosure releasably retain the member within the enclosure.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display case which can be utilized for displaying objects such as metals, coins and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case of the above character in which the object to be displayed can be readily inserted and removed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case of the above character which is provided with means whereby one display case can be releasably secured to another so that they can be mounted side by side and formed into an assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case and assembly thereof in which the display case is provided with means whereby one display case can be stacked on top of another to form an assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case of the above character in which a removable enclosure is provided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case of the above character which can be inexpensively fabricated and assembled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case of the above character which is free standing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case and assembly thereof which is particularly attractive.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case and assembly thereof which is provided with inserts so that different sizes of coins and metals can be displayed in the same size of display case.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display case and assembly thereof which can be utilized for displaying photographs and other objects.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiemnts are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a display case incorporating the present invention and shows in broken lines the manner in which another display case can be releasably connected thereto so the cases will be mounted end to end.

' FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and shows how another display case can be mounted on top of it to form an assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the display case showing the lid or enclosure separated from the base and the tongue-like member mounted thereon.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a display case showing a number of different types of inserts which can be utilized in conjunction with the same for holding coins and metals of various sizes and also for holding photographs and the like.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device and showing an insert.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a plurality of display cases stacked side by side and upon each other showing the use for the various types of inserts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The display case incorporating the present invention consists of a base 1 1 which is adapted to sit or rest upon a support surface so that the display case will be free standing. The base 11 is provided with a tongue-like member which is adapted to have a lid or enclosure 13 slidably mounted thereon.

The base 11 with its tonguelike member 12 are formed integral with each other. However, it should be appreciated that, if desired, they could be formed as separate parts and then fastened together by suitable means such as cement. The base 11 with its tongue-like member 12 can be formed of any suitable material such as a plastic which is injection molded to form the part.

The base 11 consists of an elongate body 16 which is generally rectangular in cross-section and which has formed integral therewith two downwardly extending, outwardly inclined legs 17 and 18 which extend longitudinally of the body 16. The legs I7 and I8 are provided with bottom planar surfaces 19 which lie in the same plane and which are parallel and spaced from the lower surface of the body 15 and are adapted to rest upon a support such as a table so that the body is supported so that it lies in a generally horizontal plane parallel to the surface of the table upon which the base is resting. The base ill is also provided with a pair of spaced parallel downwardly extending protrusions 21 and 22 formed integrally with the leg 17 and extending between the same. The protrusions 21 and 22 are provided with oppositely facing spaced parallel surfaces 23 and 24 which are utilized for a purpose hereinafter described. A pair of spaced reinforcing blocks 26 are provided between the surfaces 23 and 24 and are formed integral with the base. The legs 17 and 18 are provided with outer inclined planar surfaces 27 which have elongate recesses 29 formed therein extending longitudinally thereof which are adapted to receive strips 31 that are mounted therein. The strips 31 can be in the form of a decorative vinyl trim tape or, in the alternative, can be formed in the form of a tape which has certain indicia (not shown) thereon.

It should be noted that the lower extremities of the protrusions 21 and 22 are spaced slightly above the lower extremities of the surfaces 19 of the legs 17 and 18 so that they will not interfere with the support provided for the base by the legs 17 and 18.

Means is provided on the base whereby a plurality of the bases can be removably interconnected end to end to form an assembly of the same as hereinbefore described. Such means consists of a male member 36 which is rectangular in cross-section and which is formed as a portion of one end of the body 16. A complementary female recess 37 is provided on the other end of the body 16 and is of such a size so that the male member provided on one base can fit into the female recess on another base. The male member 36 and the recess 37 are sized so that there is a relatively tight slip fit between the same so that the two bases will be held together relatively firmly but can be pulled apart under the application of a separating force to the bases. The manner in which one base can be secured to another is shown in broken lines in FIG. 1.

The tongue-like member 12 extends vertically from the top of the base 16 and is provided with spaced planar parallel first and second major surfaces 41 and 42. The tongue-like member 12 is provided with an opening 43 which extends through the surfaces 41 and 42 and which is of such a size and shape so that it is adapted to receive the object which is to be displayed in the display case. For example, as shown in the drawing, the opening 43 can be circular so that it is adapted to receive a metal or a coin which has first and second spaced parallel major planar surfaces with a circular rim joining the same. The thickness of the tongue-like member 12 is such that the first and second major surfaces 41 and 42 of the tongue-like member are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the metal or coin mounted in the opening 43. The surfaces 41 and 42 can be considered as front and rear surfaces. The tongueJike member can have any desired configuration, for example, it can be rectangular and thus provided with side edges 46 and 47 and a top edge 48 as shown. The opening 43 is defined by an annular surface 44 which is tapered or inclined as shown particularly in FIG. 3 so that the coin or metal which is to be mounted in the same can be press fitted into the opening 43.

The surfaces 41 and 42 are provided with a texturing to give a pleasing effect and also to cover any surface blemishes which may be present from the molding. This texturing can be accomplished by cross hatching formed by spaced parallel line-like recesses 49 which extend horizontally and vertically at right angles to each other on the surfaces 41 and 42 as shown particularly in FIG. 1.

The lid or enclosure 13 is adapted to slip over the tongue-like member 12 to enclose the object contained therein and is generally rectangular as shown. It is provided with spaced parallel top and bottom walls 51 and 52 and spaced parallel side walls 53 and 54 extending at right angles to the top and bottom walls 51 and 52. The bottom wall 52 is provided with an elongate opening 56 which opens into a recess 57 formed within the lid or enclosure 13 and which is generally rectangular and of a size so that it is adapted to accept the tonguelike member 12.

The lid or enclosure 13 can be formed of a suitable material such as plastic and can be formed by what is called a cored hole process to form the recess 57 with the opening 56. When constructed in this manner, it can be seen that the lid or enclosure 13 has a threesided rim 59 between which there extends spaced parallel front and rear walls 61 and 62. In order to permit viewing of the object which is carried by the tonguelike member 12, at least the walls 61 and 62 should be transparent. Preferably, in order to give a more attractive appearance to the case, the base 11 with the tongue-like member 12 can be formed of a suitable dark material such as black plastic, whereas the lid or enclosure can be formed of a suitable transparent plastic. To add to the attractiveness of the lid or enclosure 13, rectangular recesses 63 can be provided on the opposite outer sides of the walls 61 and 62 which open through the bottom wall 52 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Cooperative means is provided for releasably securing the lid or enclosure 13 to the tongue-like member 12 carried by the base 11 and consists of a pair of spaced spherical bumps or portions 66 provided on opposite sides of the surfaces 41 and 42 at their lower extremities on opposite sides thereof which are adapted to seat in spaced spherical recesses 67 provided on the inside surfaces of the walls 61 and 62 of the lid or enclosure 13.

Operation and use of the display case may now be briefly described as follows. Let it be assumed that it is desired to mount a metal or coin within the opening 43 in the tongue-like member 12. The lid is moved to the position shown in FIG. 1 by pulling the tongue-like member 12 carried by the base 11 so that the recesses 67 snap off of the spherical sections or portions 66 so that-the lid is free thereafter to slip off of the tonguelike member. The coin or metal is then pressed into the opening 43 against the tapered surface 44. After the coin or metal is in place, the lid 13 is then slid downwardly over the tongue-like member 12 and the metal or coin carried in the opening 43. This movement is continued until the bottom wall 52 of the lid or enclosure 13 comes to rest against the top surface of the body 16. At the same time this is occurring, the spherical portions 66 will snap into the recesses 67 to yieldably or resiliently retain the lid in engagement with the tongue-like member 12.

The display case is then ready for display. For example, it can be positioned on a table or support with the base 1 l resting on the table or support so that it is freestanding so that the coin or metal carried by the same is displayed in a vertical position. Both sides of the coin or metal can be readily viewed in the attractive case. The tongue-like member 12 which has the textured surfaces 41 and 42 provides an attractive border for the coin or metal. As pointed out previously, the strips 31 provided on the legs 17 and 18 can be for decorative purposes or, alternatively, can carry labels as, for example, labels describing the metal or coin.

The display case is of relatively small size and a relatively large number of the same can be stored in a box or the like if desired.

As pointed out above, the display case is formed in such a manner that a plurality of the display cases can be assembled into a unitary assembly to also provide an attractive display. Thus, for example, a plurality of the display cases can be mounted end to end by merely positioning the male member of one display case in the female recess of the adjacent display case. In this way, a plurality of display cases can be mounted end to end in a unitary assembly as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2.

In addition, or alternatively, the display cases can be stacked one on top of the other. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, a base 1 1 of the upper case can be mounted upon the top portion of the lid or enclosure 13 of the lower display case in such a manner that the surfaces 23 and 24 slip over the top portion of the rim 59 of the lid or enclosure 13 so that the top display case is frictionally retained on the lower display case. Thus, it can be seen that the display cases can be mounted one upon the other or, alternatively, can be mounted end to end. In this way, assemblies of display cases of various sizes can be provided. For example, a display case assembly can be provided which is four cases long. Alternatively, a display case assembly can be provided in which merely two display cases are mounted, one on top of the other. Still another display case assembly would be to provide two rows of four display cases mounted end to end with one row of display cases being mounted on top of the other row of display cases to provide an assembly of display' cases which is four cases long and two cases high. Other arrangements can be readily provided to form the desired type of assembly.

Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 5-7. As will be noted, the base 11 with its tongue-like member 12 is substantially identical to the base 11 in the embodiments hereinbefore described. The only difference is that an annular surface 44a is provided which is not tapered or inclined as in the previous embodiments. The lid or enclosure 13 is also similar to the lid or enclosure hereinbefore described with the exception that the cooperative means for releasably securing the lid or enclosure 13 to the tongue-like member 12 consists of raised truncated pyramid-like bumps 71 provided on opposite sides of the tongue-like member 12 adjacent the lower extremity of the tonguelike member and substantially at the mid point between the opposite sides of the tongue-like member. These bumps 71 are adapted to seat in recesses 72 having a similar shape provided in the walls 61 and 62 and opening through the inner surfaces of the same. They also are positioned adjacent the lower extremities of the walls 61 and 62 approximately mid-way between the sides of the same so that when the lid or enclosure 13 is slid over the tongue-like portion it will cooperatively engage the bumps 71 and the bumps will seat within the recesses 72 and retain the lid or enclosure on the tongue-like portion 12.

One or more inserts 76 are adapted to be inserted into the opening 43 for a purpose hereinafter described. Each of the inserts 76 is preferably formed of the same material as the tongue-like member 12 and is in the form of an annular member or ring which is provided with an outer annular surface 77 and an inner annular surface 78. The annular surface 78 is of such a size so that it can snugly fit within the opening 43 formedby the annular surface 44a. Similarly, the opening 79 which is defined by the inner annular surface 78 is of such a size so that it is adapted to receive a coin or metal 81 represented in broken lines.

Another insert 82 is shown which can be utilized in place of the insert 76 for smaller coins and metals. It is also provided with an outerannular surface 83 and an inner annular surface 34. The inner annular surface 84 defines a centrally disposed opening 86 which is adapted to receive the coin or metal 87. The annular surface 83 is of a size so that it will snugly fit against the surface 44a. Both the inserts 76 and 82 will have a thickness which is approximately the same as the thickness of the tongue-like member 12.

A different type insert 87 is also shown in FIG. 5. It is in the form of a flat disc and is provided with an outer annular surface 88 which is adapted to seat against the surface 44a as with the previous inserts. The disc, however, is solid and is formed of the same material as the tongue-like member 12. However, it is provided with a slight circular recess 88 which has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the insert 87 so that a decorative rim 89 is provided. A picture 91 may be mounted within the recess 88.

Use of the display cases with the inserts is shown in FIG. 7. The mounting of the display cases side by side and on top of'each other is clearly shown and as hereinbefore described in connection with the previous embodiments. Thus, inserts of various sizes have been shown. All of the openings in the tongue-like member are of the same size. Thus, inserts having openings of different sizes therein are utilized to mount coins of different sizes. Thus, for example, for mounting a United States 50 cent piece 92, there is provided an insert 93. Similarly, for the United States 25 cent piece 94, there is provided an insert 96 which has a smaller opening. In the same manner, for the United States 10 cent piece 97, there is provided an insert 98 and for the 5 cent piece 99, there is provided an insert 101. A similar type insert could be provided for the United States penny 102. However, in order to illustrate another embodiment of the invention, there have been provided three different inserts 103, 104 and 106. In this manner, it can be seen that in place of one insert, there can be provided a plurality of inserts which serve the same function as a single unitary insert. In addition, the use of the multiple inserts makes it possible to size the openings in the other inserts so that coins of other sizes can be displayed merely by removing one or more of the inserts which have been provided until there is an opening of the desired size for the coin or metal to be mounted. The inserts H03, 104 and 106 all have the same thickness and may be formed of the same material as the tongue-like member 12. Thus, it can be seen that either a single insert can be utilized for each coin of each size or a plurality of nested inserts can be provided which can accommodate coins or metals of various sizes.

In the upper left-hand comer of FIG. 7, there is provided a display device in which there is mounted a circular disc 308 of the type hereinbefore described which has a photograph 1109 mounted thereon. The display device in the upper right-hand comer of FIG. 7 has an opening which is blank.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that a very utilitarian display case has been provided in which a single coin or metal or other object can be attractively displayed. It also can be seen that the display cases can be mounted in assemblies to display plurality of objects such as coins or metals. The dis ease assembly is still very attractive. The base li "ed on the display case is sufficiently wide latively large free-standing assemblies can be u ?y the utilization of inserts, coins and metals of lmfifiiiii sizes can be mounted in the same display case. Also. photographs of children and the like can be mounted in the display cases.

Although the display case is principally intended to be utilized in which the lid or cover can be removed, it should be appreciated that, if desired, the lid or cover can be cemented in place to provide an air-tight enclosure. This might be desirable for proof-type coins and the like.

The construction of the display case is such that it can be made relatively simply by injection molding. It should be appreciated that with a few minor changes the display case could be formed from extruded parts. The display case is formed in such a manner that it is relatively inexpensive. In addition, it can be readily assembled for shipment.

We claim:

1. In a display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, a generally rectangular tongue-like member having an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is sized to receive the object to be displayed, said member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object to be placed in the opening, and an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enveloping said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein and extending through an opening provided in said one side wall to permit said tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into said recess in said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of an object in the opening in said tongue-like member.

2. A display case as in claim 1 together with cooperative means in the form of a recess and a bump carried by said tongue-like member and said enclosure for releasably retaining said tongue-like member within said enclosure.

3. A display case as in claim 1 together with a base secured to said tongue-like member, said base being provided with a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending legs, said legs providing a generally planar bottom surface extending at right angles to the plane of the tongue-like member so that the base can rest upon a surface so that the display case is free-standing to retain said tongue-like member in a generally vertical position.

4. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said opening in said tongue-like member is generally circular.

5. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said tonguelike member is opaque.

6. A display case as in claim 5 wherein said first and second major surfaces of said tongue-like member are textured.

7. A display case as in claim 1 together with cooperative means carried by said display case whereby one display case can be releasably secured to another display case for side-by-side mounting.

8. A display case as in claim 7 wherein said base member is formed with a male tongue-like portion on one side and a female recess on the other side.

9. In a display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, a generally rectangular tongue-like member having an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is sized to receive the object to be displayed, said member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object to be placed in the opening, and an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enveloping said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein and extending through an opening provided in said one side wall to permit said tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into said recess in said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of an object in the opening in said tongue-like member, said base being provided with a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending legs with a recess formed therebetween whereby said legs are adapted to receive the upper portion of the enclosure of another display case.

10. A display case as in claim 3 together with a strip secured to the outer surface of at least one of the legs.

11. A display case as in claim I wherein said surface is tapered.

12. A display case as in claim 1 together with an insert disposed in said opening in said tongue-like member, said insert being adapted to carry an object to be displayed.

13. A display device as in claim 12 wherein said insert is removably mounted in the opening in said tongue-like member.

14. A display case as in claim 12 wherein said insert has an opening therein adapted to receive the object to be displayed.

15. A display case as in claim 12 wherein a disc is removably mounted in said insert and a pictorial representation carried by said disc.

16. A display case as in claim 1 together with a plurality of inserts mounted in said opening in said tonguelike member, said inserts being disposed one within the other and frictionally engaging each other.

17. A display case as in claim 16 wherein said innermost insert has an opening therein adapted to receive an object to be displayed.

18. A display case as in claim 12 wherein said insert has approximately the same thickness as the tonguelike member.

19. In a display case assembly, first and second display cases for displaying an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, each of said display cases having a generally rectangular tongue-like member with an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is adapted to receive the object which is to be displayed, said tongue-like member having first and second major spaced apart, parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second surfaces of the object to be displayed within the opening, an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enclosing said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein opening through said one side wall of the enclosure to permit the tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in-said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of the object in the opening, and cooperative means carried by each of said display members whereby said first and second display members are releasably connected together to form a unitary display.

20. A display case assembly as in claim 19 wherein said cooperative means includes means carried by each of the display cases for mounting the display cases end to end.

21. A display case assembly as in claim 19 wherein said cooperative means includes means carried by each of the display cases for mounting the display cases one on top of the other.

22. A display case assembly as in claim 20 wherein said cooperative means includes a male member carried by the tongue-like member and a female recess carried by the tongue-like member opposite the male member.

23. A display case assembly as in claim 20 wherein each of said display cases includes a base secured to the tongue-like member and wherein said base includes a male portion carried by the base and a female recess carried by the base opposite the male member, said male member of one display case being inserted in the female recess of the other display case.

24. A display case assembly as in claim 21 wherein said base is provided with a recess extending longitudinally thereof, said recess in said one display case receiving the upper extremity of the enclosure of the other display case.

25. A display case as in claim 19 together with at lease one insert disposed in an opening of one of the display cases. 

1. In a display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, a generally rectangular tongue-like member having an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is sized to receive the object to be displayed, said member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object to be placed in the opening, and an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enveloping said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein and extending through an opening provided in said one side wall to permit said tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into said recess in said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of an object in the opening in said tongue-lIke member.
 2. A display case as in claim 1 together with cooperative means in the form of a recess and a bump carried by said tongue-like member and said enclosure for releasably retaining said tongue-like member within said enclosure.
 3. A display case as in claim 1 together with a base secured to said tongue-like member, said base being provided with a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending legs, said legs providing a generally planar bottom surface extending at right angles to the plane of the tongue-like member so that the base can rest upon a surface so that the display case is free-standing to retain said tongue-like member in a generally vertical position.
 4. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said opening in said tongue-like member is generally circular.
 5. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said tongue-like member is opaque.
 6. A display case as in claim 5 wherein said first and second major surfaces of said tongue-like member are textured.
 7. A display case as in claim 1 together with cooperative means carried by said display case whereby one display case can be releasably secured to another display case for side-by-side mounting.
 8. A display case as in claim 7 wherein said base member is formed with a male tongue-like portion on one side and a female recess on the other side.
 9. In a display case for an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, a generally rectangular tongue-like member having an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is sized to receive the object to be displayed, said member having first and second major spaced apart parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second major surfaces of the object to be placed in the opening, and an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enveloping said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein and extending through an opening provided in said one side wall to permit said tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into said recess in said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of an object in the opening in said tongue-like member, said base being provided with a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending legs with a recess formed therebetween whereby said legs are adapted to receive the upper portion of the enclosure of another display case.
 10. A display case as in claim 3 together with a strip secured to the outer surface of at least one of the legs.
 11. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said surface is tapered.
 12. A display case as in claim 1 together with an insert disposed in said opening in said tongue-like member, said insert being adapted to carry an object to be displayed.
 13. A display device as in claim 12 wherein said insert is removably mounted in the opening in said tongue-like member.
 14. A display case as in claim 12 wherein said insert has an opening therein adapted to receive the object to be displayed.
 15. A display case as in claim 12 wherein a disc is removably mounted in said insert and a pictorial representation carried by said disc.
 16. A display case as in claim 1 together with a plurality of inserts mounted in said opening in said tongue-like member, said inserts being disposed one within the other and frictionally engaging each other.
 17. A display case as in claim 16 wherein said innermost insert has an opening therein adapted to receive an object to be displayed.
 18. A display case as in claim 12 wherein said insert has approximately the same thickness as the tongue-like member.
 19. In a display case assembly, first and second display cases for displaying an object of the type having spaced parallel, generally planar first and second major surfaces, each of said display cases having a generally rectangulAr tongue-like member with an opening therein defined by a continuous surface which is adapted to receive the object which is to be displayed, said tongue-like member having first and second major spaced apart, parallel planar surfaces which are generally flush with the first and second surfaces of the object to be displayed within the opening, an enclosure mounted on said tongue-like member and generally enclosing said tongue-like member, said enclosure having at least one side wall, said enclosure having a generally rectangular recess therein opening through said one side wall of the enclosure to permit the tongue-like member to be slidably inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said enclosure having front and rear walls overlying said opening in said member, said front and rear walls being transparent to permit viewing of the object in the opening, and cooperative means carried by each of said display members whereby said first and second display members are releasably connected together to form a unitary display.
 20. A display case assembly as in claim 19 wherein said cooperative means includes means carried by each of the display cases for mounting the display cases end to end.
 21. A display case assembly as in claim 19 wherein said cooperative means includes means carried by each of the display cases for mounting the display cases one on top of the other.
 22. A display case assembly as in claim 20 wherein said cooperative means includes a male member carried by the tongue-like member and a female recess carried by the tongue-like member opposite the male member.
 23. A display case assembly as in claim 20 wherein each of said display cases includes a base secured to the tongue-like member and wherein said base includes a male portion carried by the base and a female recess carried by the base opposite the male member, said male member of one display case being inserted in the female recess of the other display case.
 24. A display case assembly as in claim 21 wherein said base is provided with a recess extending longitudinally thereof, said recess in said one display case receiving the upper extremity of the enclosure of the other display case.
 25. A display case as in claim 19 together with at lease one insert disposed in an opening of one of the display cases. 